Liberalism Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are the core liberal ideas?
- Gov by consent
- Limited role for the state
- Representative democracy
- individuals have ‘natural rights’
What are natural rights?
Natural rights are rights such as freedom, the right to own property and the pursuit of happiness and are found within every individual regardless of their background
What is a social contract?
The contract between the government and the governed, whereby the government agrees to hold itself accountable to its people and work within the law which the people then agree to obey those laws.
What is reason?
> reason is the belief that all individuals are rational and are the best judges of their own interests.
rejects doctrine of original sin
humans are capable of devising a state in accordance with their needs.
What is mechanistic theory?
The idea we don’t need God to devise a state we can do it ourselves.
What is individualism?
The notion that all individuals should have control over their own lives (self determination) can discover their true self (self realisation) and can achieve their own personal mission ( self fulfilment)
What is egotistical individualism?
The belief that individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self-reliance and self-interest.
What is developmental individualism?
The idea the state can help assist in a persons development e.g. through state education
What is tolerance?
This is central to the ideas of Locke and Mill and is the notion that all actions should be tolerated provided they are not harmful or distasteful.
What is equality to liberals?
Foundational equality- all individuals are born equal
Formal equality- the principle that every individual is entitled to equal treatment in society
Equality of opportunity- liberals accept that there will be some inequality in society. But the state should enable all individuals to achieve their potential if they choose to do so.
What is meritocracy?
In a just society those with greater abilities deserve more than those who do not have those qualities.
What is the liberal democratic theory?
- supremacy of the people
- consent of the governed
- value of the individual
- civil rights for all
What is negative liberty?
A conception of freedom that defines itself as an absence of constraint.
What is positive liberty?
A conception of freedom which sees the state playing a positive role to help individuals achieve their dreams and aspirations and develop as individuals.
What is capitalism?
- property is a natural right
- links with individualism and private property
- free markets and minimal state intervention
What do Modern liberals believe capitalism should be?
Modern liberals believe in state tempering of the free markets and in some state intervention of the economy- Keynesian economics.
What type of liberal was John Locke?
Classical liberal
What is the social contract theory?
The idea that society state and government are based on a theoretical voluntary agreement.
What is a limited government?
The idea that government should be limited and based on consent from below.
How did Locke alter the view of the state?
Locke unlike many before him did not believe in divine right of kings, but rather the state is created via a social contract between the rulers and the ruled.
What is the state of nature?
Pre existed the state and was the natural state humans existed in which had ‘natural rights, ‘natural laws’ and ‘natural liberties’
How should the state act in relation to the individual?
Should protect and expand on natural rights found in the state of nature.
What is the ‘state of law’ to Locke?
Envisaged by Locke where the state would resolve disputes between individuals more effectively than the state of nature.
How should the state act in relation to the economy and the state?
Should not interfere with society and the economy, ensuring the state focuses solely on the interests of those being governed.
